This twelve-century castle is the biggest medieval castlein Slovenia. It was built by the Counts of Vovberg, but the most famous residents in its rich history were the Counts of Celje, who lived in the castle for more than 100 years. They made sure it was always one of the biggest and most magnificent. They ruled from the castle until 1454, when the last male descendant Ulrik II died in battle.

Today, the castle consists of many different attractions such as:

Frederick’s Tower

a pentagonal tower

a moat

a mid wall with a coffee bar

a Gothic and Romanesque palladium

the tower above Pelikan’s path

a well

a special herbal shop.

It also has many viewing platforms and the oldest Slovenian grapevine.

There are many legends and myths connected with the Old Castle. The most famous one is the Frederick’s Tower (picture on the left). It was named after the son of the dangerous and fireless Count Herman II. Frederick was in love with Veronika of Desenice, but his father did not approve of their marriage. He killed Veronika and threw Frederick in the tower jail, where he was left to die without any water, food or light.

You can learn more about different legends when visiting – on a guided tour or by reading about them in the exhibition The Counts of Celje Today and Never Again. Try to visit the Old Castle during Medieval Days, the traditional event that will take you back to the times of Counts of Celje.